Sisters Of Mercy
Leonard Cohen · Live
they are not departed or gone,
they were waiting for me
when I thought that I just can't go on
And they brought me their comfort
and later they brought me this song
Oh I hope you run into them
you who've been travelling so long
You who must leave everything
that you cannot control
it begins with your family
but soon it comes round to your soul
well, I've been where you're hanging
I think I can see how you're pinned
When you're not feeling holy
your loneliness tells that you've sinned
They lay down beside me
I made my confession to them
they touched both my eyes
and I touched the dew on their hem
If your life is a leaf
that the seasons tear off and condemn
they will bind you with love
that is graceful and green as a stem
When I left they were sleeping
I hope you run into them soon
don't turn on the light
you can read their address by the moon
and you won't make me jealous
if I heard that they sweetened your night
we weren't lovers like that
and besides it would still be all right
About Sisters Of Mercy
Leonard Cohen's "Sisters Of Mercy" stands as a haunting testament to his mastery of the blues and gospel-inflected rock, delivered here with the raw intensity of a live performance. Recorded during his prolific period in the late 1970s, the track exemplifies Cohen's ability to weave biblical imagery with gritty, earthy vocals that cut through the atmospheric production. The song's narrative explores themes of spiritual longing and the duality of faith, characteristic of his broader body of work from that era. This recording captures the essence of Cohen's transition from folk to a more expansive, electric sound, showcasing his unique voice as a storyteller who could command a full band while maintaining intimate vulnerability. The live setting strips away studio polish, revealing the emotional weight and rhythmic drive that defined his concerts. It remains a pivotal piece in his discography, illustrating how he transformed traditional religious texts into modern, soulful anthems that continue to resonate across genres.